Jerry Kill catches Gophers spring practice

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - After a 2015 campaign capped by change, a new season of gopher football is underway on campus, but an old, familiar face was back on the practice field Saturday as Jerry Kill returned to catch a glimpse of his former team in spring ball.

"This has been home. It's good to see my big football family, it's great to come back,” Kill said.

His family members at the University of Minnesota feel the same way when they see Kill back in the place where so many memories were made.

"Coach Kill is a great guy, like a father figure to all of us,” wide receiver Eric Carter said.

"it's really good for some of the guys he hadn't coached to hear from him. Any words that he has for them will be great for them,” tackle Jonah Pirsig said.

Kill only watched practice but did sneak in a few tips to quarterback Mitch Leidner. Overall, Kill said he was impressed, and excited to see the squad try some different things.

His future at Minnesota is still unclear, but fans can count on Kill being involved in the sport this season.

"I'm getting the opportunity to do some stuff at Southern Illinois,” he said. “Doing something, somewhere with football."

Kill's experiences will also carry from the playbook, to the bookstore later this year when he release's his autobiography.

"It'll be interesting how it goes over; and they say I've never spoken good English,” he laughed.